The extreme risk of fire has prompted the closure of the Tarawera Forest to the public until further notice.
The closure includes Mt Putauaki, Tarawera Outlet and Tarawera Falls.
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) have advised the fire danger level has been raised to Extreme in the district.
A spokesperson for FENZ said due to the extreme fire danger that fire permits will not be issued until further notice.
“These areas include Kawerau, Onepu, Otakiri, Te Teko, Galatea and Coastal Strip including all beach fires.”
“Fires can start easily and will spread rapidly and burn intensely after ignition”
The Tarawera Ultra Marathon will be held on Saturday, and shuttles will be used to transport participants through the forest. Permits will not be issued for personal vehicle access. For more information contact the Kawerau i-Site.